Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Pudding is the ultimate indulgent dessert with a perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness. The rich, smooth pudding paired with fresh bananas creates a delightful contrast with the crisp, chewy vanilla wafer cookies. It’s easy to make, and while it’s a traditional dessert, it can be customized to your liking. With layers of deliciousness and a variety of textures in every bite, this banana pudding is sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries it.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 3/4 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 box of vanilla wafer cookies
4 ripe bananas, sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Beat for 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Set the pudding aside to firm up for 5-10 minutes.
Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mixture until smooth and well combined. This creates a light, creamy texture for the banana pudding.
Assemble the Pudding:
- In a large serving dish or individual cups, layer the bottom with a few vanilla wafer cookies. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the cookies, then top with a generous layer of the creamy pudding mixture.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Chill:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the vanilla wafers to soften to the perfect consistency.
Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the top with additional vanilla wafer cookies, banana slices, or even whipped cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or overnight)

Variations

Banana Pudding Parfaits: For a fun twist, serve the pudding in individual cups, layering with wafers, bananas, and pudding for personal servings.
Add Peanut Butter: For a peanut butter twist, swirl in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter into the pudding mixture before layering it.
Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add a layer of chocolate pudding for a delicious variation on the classic.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped cream and a plant-based pudding mix to create a dairy-free version of this classic dessert.
Top with Meringue: For a traditional Southern touch, top the banana pudding with a fluffy meringue before baking it for a few minutes in the oven to brown.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Banana Pudding is best served cold and will keep the creamy texture for a couple of days.
Freezing: Banana Pudding is not ideal for freezing, as the bananas may become mushy and the texture may change.
Reheating: This dessert is served chilled, so there is no need to reheat. Enjoy it straight from the fridge!

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

Yes, you can make your own vanilla pudding from scratch using eggs, milk, and sugar. Just be sure to let it cool before layering it with the bananas and wafers.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, this dessert benefits from sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, as it allows the flavors to meld and the wafers to soften.

3. Can I use a different kind of cookie besides vanilla wafers?

While vanilla wafers are traditional, you can use other cookies such as shortbread or graham crackers for a different flavor and texture.

4. Can I make this recipe with dairy-free ingredients?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using a dairy-free pudding mix, coconut milk or almond milk, and dairy-free whipped cream.

5. Can I add other fruits to this dessert?

Yes, you can add other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

6. How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

To prevent the bananas from browning, you can lightly drizzle them with lemon juice before adding them to the pudding layers.

7. Can I freeze banana pudding?

Banana pudding doesn’t freeze well, as the texture of the pudding and bananas changes when frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

8. How long can I store banana pudding in the refrigerator?

Banana pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to consume it within that time frame for the best texture and flavor.

9. Can I use a store-bought pudding mix instead of making my own?

Yes, using a store-bought instant pudding mix makes this dessert even easier to prepare. Just follow the package instructions for the pudding, and then mix it with the whipped cream.

10. Can I make this banana pudding without whipped cream?

Yes, you can skip the whipped cream if you prefer a lighter version. The pudding will still be creamy and delicious, but the texture will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert that combines creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers in the most satisfying way. With its sweet, rich layers and a balance of textures, this dessert is always a hit at gatherings, holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special. Whether you enjoy it chilled in individual cups or in a large trifle dish, this banana pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert that never goes out of style!